An artist's impression of how the proposed marina on the Thames beside Watermans Park, Brentford, would look

Controversial plans for a new marina in Brentford will go on public display next week at Watermans arts centre.

About 25 houseboats illegally moored beside Watermans Park will be evicted and a new 26-berth docking point created in a £5.45 million revamp approved last month by Hounslow Council's Labour administration.

A small car park and storage area will also be created for the new boat dwellers, and there are also plans to build a wildlife habitat on the foreshore and make improvements to the park, in Brentford High Street.

The council claims the new marina will smarten up the site and insists it has a duty to ensure all boats are licensed and comply with regulations.

However, the existing inhabitants have promised to fight 'tooth and nail' against their eviction, saying the money could be better spent providing affordable accommodation elsewhere.

You can learn more about the proposals and have your say at two meetings next week at Watermans, which is beside the park. Your comments could help shape the final plans which the council expects to be submitted in April next year.

* The meetings will take place next Tuesday, October 28, from 4pm-7pm, and next Saturday, November 1, from 11am-2pm. You will also be able to have your say online from next Tuesday at www.hounslow.gov.uk/consultations or by writing to Watermans Marina, FREEPOST Peter Brett Associates, SCE 4241 Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8BR.